Rooted in childhood dreams fueled by legal dramas on TV. Alja Poler De Zwart’s journey to becoming a Partner at Morrison Foerster LLP is one about resilience and adaptability.
Originating from Slovenia, her legal expedition led her to the Netherlands, where she immersed herself in a new language and culture to pursue her legal aspirations. Through untiring determination and a willingness to embrace change, she charted her course by surmounting obstacles one step at a time.
With the intricacies of international law, Alja honed her expertise in privacy and data protection, carving out a distinct niche at a prestigious Dutch firm. Six years of dedication culminated in an invitation to join Morrison Foerster’s Brussels office, catapulting her career to new heights.
Despite the upheaval of relocation, Alja’s steadfast commitment to excellence propelled her forward. In her words, “It turned out to be just the right place for me. It meant another move to another country and rearranging my life entirely, but it was well worth it.”
Today, positioned as the Partner, Alja epitomizes adaptability and tenacity in the legal arena. Her journey underscores the power of resilience and the rewards of embracing change serving as an inspiration to aspiring legal professionals navigating the complexities of the global stage.
The Art of Legal Mentorship
“In my role as a partner at the law firm, I have a multitude of responsibilities,” Alja explains. “One of the most crucial aspects is nurturing and guiding our associates to become exceptional lawyers,” Alja emphasizes the importance of fostering a mindset that values both innovation and a passion for the law. It’s about instilling in them the understanding that the practice of law isn’t just a job—it can be enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
Alja underscores the dynamic nature of privacy and data protection law, highlighting it as an arena where creativity can thrive. Navigating the complexities of this field offers opportunities to push boundaries and find inventive solutions. Witnessing associates embrace this mindset brings Alja immense satisfaction.
“Seeing them evolve into confident and capable advisers is truly rewarding,” she expresses. Through mentorship and encouragement, Alja strives to cultivate a generation of legal professionals who approach their work with enthusiasm and a desire for excellence.
The Value of Experience
Alja reflects on her educational journey by emphasizing the significance of real-world experience. “My academic background was ordinary, with additional studies required after relocating,” she admits. She challenges the notion that academic success defines one’s capabilities. She asserts that true learning begins in the workplace.
Alja underscores the value of practical experience in understanding and applying legal concepts. She explains that interacting with clients, regulators and peers teaches invaluable lessons. She emphasizes that classroom education cannot replicate the lessons learned through hands-on practice. “Real-life experience is the most valuable teacher,” Alja stresses the importance of embracing opportunities for growth in professional settings.
Leading with Integrity
Alja emphasizes the importance of core values within a team dynamic. She asserts that hard work, honesty and accountability are fundamental. She also stresses the significance of personal growth and adaptability in leadership. “I continuously strive to better myself and learn from any mistakes,” she admits. Alja encourages a culture of open communication and feedback, regardless of hierarchy. Constructive criticism is invaluable, even from junior colleagues.
Furthermore, she advocates for a flexible leadership approach, particularly in a diverse global firm like Morrison Forester. “In such a multicultural environment, leadership must be tailored to individual needs and cultural nuances,” she explains. Alja favors informal communication grounded in mutual respect and professionalism. Navigating diverse perspectives requires a fluid leadership style. Accentuating this, she highlights the necessity of adapting leadership strategies to accommodate varying circumstances and backgrounds.
Demystifying AI
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries, including legal services,” Alja acknowledges. She recognizes the rapid advancement of AI which can be daunting for many. Despite its complexity, AI shouldn’t instill fear.
Alja advocates for a balanced approach, urging careful development and regulation to unleash its full potential. She emphasizes, “AI signifies a new chapter in human progress, promising enhanced efficiency and innovation for all including lawyers, clients and consumers.” She envisions AI as a tool to simplify and enrich lives across the board, underscoring its transformative potential when harnessed responsibly.
Passion as Priority
Alja expresses gratitude for finding fulfillment in her work, viewing it as more than just a job. “I’m fortunate to love what I do—it’s like a hobby to me,” she shares. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in one’s profession. “Maintaining a work-life balance isn’t a concern when you’re passionate about your work,” she adds.
As a partner at a law firm, Alja appreciates the flexibility her role affords. “Having control over my schedule allows me to seamlessly integrate work and personal life,” she explains. For Alja, the distinction between work and personal life blurs as both contribute to her overall well-being.
Thriving Together
Alja reflects on the collaborative ethos at Morrison Foerster, a trait she embraced upon joining. “From day one, I was immersed in a culture of teamwork and excellence,” she recalls. She highlights the importance of shared vision and purpose in fostering such an environment. Alignment with colleagues’ goals is crucial.
Alja stresses the significance of mutual respect and trust fostering a culture of openness and receptivity to feedback. Being receptive to others’ perspectives cultivates honesty and transparency. She acknowledges the importance of humility in reassessing one’s approach when necessary. “Sometimes, it’s crucial to step back and reevaluate,” she advises.
Finally, Alja emphasizes the value of recognition and appreciation in nurturing a sense of belonging within the community. Acknowledging and appreciating others’ contributions fosters a strong sense of camaraderie.
The Ethical Imperative
Alja underscores her commitment to client interests while upholding ethical standards. “I always prioritize my clients’ needs within legal boundaries,” she affirms. She emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethics in legal practice. Maintaining the highest standards is non-negotiable. Alja asserts her strong dedication to ethical conduct, a cornerstone of her approach to lawyering.
Guiding Principles
For aspiring legal professionals seeking guidance, Alja advises:
First, do not be afraid to ask questions. “Never start a project without fully understanding what is being asked of you.” If in doubt, seek clarification. Alja recalls a time when persistent questioning led to a breakthrough, “As an associate, I once told a senior colleague six or seven times that I did not understand the instructions.” Despite initial stress, the colleague eventually acknowledged the confusion highlighting the importance of clear communication. She proudly states, “That was the best reaction I could have hoped for from a leader.”
Second, do not overly stress about starting out. “Not much is expected from you at the beginning, except that you do your best, learn as much as you can and seek to improve.”
The third is to ensure that the work meets high standards. “Optimize your work product.” She underlines that it is important to attend to details like grammar, research accuracy and timely communication.
Lastly, support your peers and share knowledge. “Help others to be the best they can be, support them and advise them,” Alja suggests. Alja shares, for instance, that if you are a junior associate and have learned something useful, share it with other associates so that they can also benefit from that knowledge. She states, “This is how you become a successful leader.”
She also adds, “There is no ego in leadership—take an interest in the people around you and figure out how you can help them to improve.” By investing in others, aspiring legal professionals can cultivate leadership qualities and contribute to a positive, collaborative workplace. Remember, as Alja emphasizes, “Their improvement will reflect positively on you and will benefit everyone.”
